Carrots by Colleen Helme

Blurb: 

Shelby Nichols is an average woman who is married to the only guy she ever fell for. Her life is organized and predictable, revolving around her husband and two children. All that changes the day she stops at the grocery store for some carrots. As the cashier rings up her purchases, a gunman is busy robbing the bank inside the store. When a customer grabs the robber's mask, he is shot and everyone runs for cover. Everyone except Shelby, who finds herself face to face with the killer. The next thing she knows, she's lying on the floor with a bullet wound to her head. Luckily, the bullet only grazes her scalp, and she doesn't suspect any lasting affects until later, when she suddenly 'hears' what people are thinking. With this uncanny ability, her life takes on a whole new dimension. Her kids think she's bossy and too old to understand them, but that's nothing compared to her husband. He says he loves her, but what is it about the redhead at work that he doesn't want her to know? As if that isn't enough, the gunman knows she can identify him, and he's out to silence her forever. In her fight to stay alive, she is saved from certain death by a handsome hit-man with ties to organized crime. This pulls Shelby even deeper into danger, where knowing someone's thoughts can not only hurt her feelings, but get her killed.

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Thoughts of the Reviewer.....

It all began because she had to buy Carrots! If Shelby did not stop to buy carrots in the supermarket, she would not have been a victim of a shop robbery and had a head injury but luckily it was not fatal and the bullet had just grazed her scalp. After she regains her consciousness she finds that she can hear people! So what is so great about it? She can hear those things which are not spoken yet. In other words, she can hear the thoughts of people. What I would not give to have this giftJ

But is this gift a boon or a curse? Her husband Chris certainly feel uncomfortable around her, feeling that the privacy of his mind was being invaded. Though he tried to be as understanding as possible ( and he is quite a cute character), the distance between them started increasing specially when Shelby got a job without telling him.

But what would the poor gal do? Chris’s co-worker Kate is after him. When Shelby could hear her thoughts, she decides not to take it meekly. Little did she know that Kate was connected to a man from the underworld whom she called Uncle Joey. Uncle Joey takes matters in his own hand and ‘picks’ up Shelby to warn her. Shelby thinks her life is in danger and makes it known that she can read minds. Uncle Joey takes it as an opportunity to read the minds of his opponents.

On the other hand Detective Harris from the police force, who had investigated the shop robbery, gets to know about Shelby’s gift and he too wants her on their side to solve some crimes. (Not to forget that her hubby, Chris is also standing in the line as her list of potential client.)

Now Shelby is in a dilemma. On one hand she is asked to work for Uncle Joey and on the other hand she feels it is her duty to help the police. Even Chris wants her in his law office to help him around. So Shelby the housewife suddenly makes a niche for herself in her life and basks in the feeling of  importance.

But after a few forced robberies by Uncle Joey and being in  the middle of a bomb blast, she decides she had enough. But then getting out of the clutches of Uncle Joey was very tough. He had eyes everywhere and also enemies. But even Uncle Joey had not counted on one enemy to show their true colors. And when the person does it, even Shelby is shocked.

Would Shelby be able to come out of the situation unscathed or would she lose all, her husband, her kids or even her life? Or would fate intervene and she would get her old life back?

And then there is Ramos... scary yet cute.... :) shshshhs........

Rating…. 

Reasoning….

The story is funny And I really mean this. I had been reading this book while waiting for my daughter to come out of her guitar class. And I saw passerby’s giving me some funny looks. I then realized I was laughing sporadically even without realizing it.

The story is webbed intricately and I liked the fast pace of the story. I wanted to reach the end. In fact when I could not read this book I had put it up in audio mode and heard it while driving. The characters are beautifully etched and what I loved about Shelby’s character is that she is not without faults. Greed plays a role when she wants to buy a car or her admiration for the dimples of the Detective while she hated the way how Kate was flirting with her husband.

Not for a moment, did I want to keep this book aside. A very interesting and fast paced read. 

About the Author

 A long career as a wife and mother while juggling several part-time jobs gave Colleen the ambition to dream of being a published author, where she could put her imagination to good use. Now instead of making up stories to tell her children, she writes books they love to read. Hopefully you will too. She is the author of three romantic fantasy novels, Songbird, Flame of Destiny and The Relic. Her Shelby Nichols Adventures include Carrots, Fast Money, Lie or Die, Secrets That Kill, and Trapped By Revenge coming soon!

         

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Tressa by Barbara Cerny

Title of Book:   Tressa

Author:             Barbara Cerny

ISBN:                978-1-61204-341-8

Publisher:          Strategic Book Group

Release date:     10/01/2011

Genre:                Historical Romance

Length of Story:  Novel (above 70K words)





Back Cover....

Escaping an abusive husband and the tragic loss of her newborn child, Tressa O'Daire leaves her home of Dublin, Ireland, for the unknown shores of New York City. There, she finds work in the powerful Langley family as a nurse-maid to a baby girl. The Langleys allow Tressa, a master baker by trade, to use their baking oven and she starts a business and a new life.

Ethan Langley, crippled in a riding accident that left him bound to a wheel chair, has spent the last eight years in his room escaping the embarrassment to his family and the hatred of his brother, Heaton. The only bright spot in his life is his sister, Sarah; until a certain Irish baker arrives and turns his life upside down.

Their very lives are threatened when the head of the Langley household dies unexpectedly leaving the business and family fortune to Heaton. As Heaton and his wife, Victoria, bring the family to the brink of ruination, Tressa and Ethan must save whatever they can, including the budding love between them.

Excerpt...

Tressa played with the remains of her food. “So, if you’re not worried about being caught for hiding Heaton’s body, then what is on your mind?” 

Ethan paused. How should he tell the most beautiful girl in the world that she deserved better? That being straddled with half a man was not what she needed in life? How could he tell the woman he loved more than life itself to find another, better man, to love?

 “I can’t be what you want me to be,” he finally whispered. 

Tressa was quite taken aback. “What do I want you to be?” 

He looked into his lap and down at his broken body. “I am not a man. I cannot be a husband. You deserve a man who…who is whole.” 

Tressa had never seen a man look so downhearted. Ethan truly believed he wasn’t good enough for her. She stared at his despondent face for a moment and then said, “You think sex is what makes a man? That the use of your manhood is the only way to show a woman your love?” She shook her head. 

Ethan turned several shades of red to hear a woman boldly discussing such intimate topics. 

“Well, mister, you have a lot to learn and I think you need to start learning it now. I am not looking for a husband. I am looking for you.” Tressa stood up and, taking the handles of the wheeled chair, pushed the uninformed young man to his bedroom and then leapt onto the bed. 

Ethan’s eyes nearly popped out of his head to see a woman, specifically this woman, lying on his bed, her head propped up on one arm.

 “Undress,” she commanded, staring him down, her eyes daring him to comply. 

"I um…I really—” he stammered, not exactly sure this was proper.

 “I was a married woman. I’ve had a child. I am not exactly a virgin, so undress.” Tressa sat up and undid her bodice. Ethan opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Tressa stood up and dropped her dress to the floor. She kicked her shoes across the room and, dressed only in her chemise, straddled Ethan’s lap and began to kiss him. She kissed his lips, his nose, his cheeks, and his neck. She was determined to show him how much she loved him and how little she cared about that damned wheeled chair. This man had to stop tying his self-worth to those crippled legs and, if she had her way, he was going to learn that lesson this very instant. 

When Tressa began to nibble on his ear, Ethan came out of his state of shock. He felt things he’d never felt before. Never mind that nothing worked from the hips down; he felt tingling all the way to his toes. He instantly wrapped his arms around her and began to ardently return her kisses and nibbles. Within minutes, Tressa had his shirt and vest unbuttoned, off his arms and shoulders, and hanging from his waistband. She ran her hands over his chest, playing with his nipples with her thumbs. She didn’t know where her bold animal instincts were coming from, but she wasn’t about to stop and ponder them. Everything she had dreamed of sharing with Séamus on their wedding night and for the rest of their lives was poured into her actions. She had been brutally raped nightly for months and swore no man would ever touch her like that again. God, in his infinite wisdom and mercy, had sent her a man incapable of that cruel touch. But this man was more than capable of giving her loving touches. 

Ethan had no idea what was happening to him. He was dealing with a total onslaught of emotions. This woman was all he’d ever wanted and, until five minutes ago, he thought her unattainable. But here she was, half naked on his lap, kissing him in ways he never thought possible. Her playing with his nipples was driving him to distraction. He couldn’t stand it anymore. He wanted all of her and he wanted her now!

 “Okay, woman,” he groaned. “Up in the bed.” She happily obliged, completing her undressing in one stroke and then helping him to the bed and stripping him of his trousers. Naked they explored every region of each other, not holding anything back. They put their complete and amazing love for each other into every touch, every kiss, every nibble. 

Ethan might have a broken body, but there was nothing broken about his deep and undying love for this Irish woman. In one evening, she proved to him beyond a shadow of a doubt that his manhood was not limited to one region of his body, and that making love was a total body experience. .

Long time Readers! Sorry. Was wool gathering and in such a hunt I came across another book from my favorite author Barbara Cerny. Tressa. 

The name itself conjured a picture of a woman from the bygone era, floating white gown and long tresses of auburn hair. Shy, diminutive. Boy! Was I wrong!!!

Meet Tressa…

During the ages when the women folk was just supposed to cater to the wants of men, Tressa is all set to became an entrepreneur.  Strongly supported by her family she learns the art of being  a master baker from her uncles and cousins. And when the time comes for her to settle down she does it with all naivete that only comes from total trust that life can never go wrong with good people. Now I must say – Boy! Was she wrong!!!

The love of her life turned into a marital rapist who only only broke her spirits but also her dreams for her future. After losing her newborn baby, she escapes in a ship and lands up in America. But she lands with a child in her arms. How? [You really think I am going to tell you? [Tch tch…..]

But after reaching the land of opportunities, though she is a free woman unlike the other indentured servants, she is taken in as a nursemaid by the Langley family. There she meets the disabled younger son Ethan Langley. 

Meet Ethan…..

Ethan Langley is the youngest son of the Langley family. Crippled due to an accident, he had become  a recluse till he is forced to face life by Tressa. A beautiful friendship develops between them where both bring out the best of each other.

The Story….

Tressa leaves her loveless marriage behind as she covers the expanse of the ocean to reach America. Her dream of starting a new life is beautifully depicted as she transforms herself from being a nursemaid to an owner of a bakery. Her business acumen makes her different from other women. That along with a fierce sense of loyalty makes her a very charming character.

She is a very strong woman who always stands beside the man she loves. So much so that even when she is tortured and humiliated by her husband, she does not tell her own family but rather braves the ocean to reach America to start a new life. 

When Ethan faces eviction from his own home, she stands by him, supports him and fights for him. She is one woman who even in today’s world would be considered admirable.

What I liked….

The flow of the story is beautiful with each character being very much the part of the story. The evil Heaton versus the goodness of Ethan is beautifully depicted. 

Tressa is a beautiful person who is sensitive to all the relationships around her. She is gutsy enough to start her own business, foresighted enough to plan her future and sensitive enough to care for the less fortunate. 

Not to forget she was damn smart- planning the escape, landing in America and starting her business could not have been done if she did not have a sound head over her shoulder. A beautifully depicted strong character.

Ethan was an equal partner. Though crippled at an early age he was the motivation behind her actions. He too comes out as a strong character as he moves out of his father’s house and makes his own living. He could have depended on Tressa, but he chose to make a life of his own. 

The best part I loved was the relationship between them. A sweet understand, a camaraderie which encouraged the goodness in each other. 

What I did not like….

The only point I can think of is not about the author’s depiction of Tressa leaving her family behind. Agreed that her situation was difficult but her parents loved her, her cousins adored her, so why did she not contact them later. Or did she.. maybe if I let my imagination run wild I can imagine that she might have contacted her family…… 

Well, that sure seems like I would have wanted more in this story. 

Ratings…

Reasoning….

If I wanted this story to continue… do I have to give a reasoning? It was a beautiful read and when I read about her father crying for her at the dockyard, I had tears in my eyes too. So Barbara,can you please send Tressa back home……..?

Of Angels and Orphans by Barbara T. Cerny

Title of Book :  Of Angels and Orphans

Author Name: Barbara T. Cerny

ISBN: 978-1-60860-013-7

Publisher: Strategic Book Group

Release date: 09/15/2009

Genre: Historical Romance

Length of Story: Novel (above 70K words)

Disclaimer: I got this book from the author in exhcange of my honest review











Back Cover...

Audra Markham is a ten-year-old girl born into privilege, but only in the sense of wealth. The granddaughter of a Viscount, Audra is the object of ridicule in her spoiled and spiteful family. Alone and unloved, Audra seeks solace in the comfort of food.

In another part of London thirteen-year-old Nathaniel Abbot lives a wretched life, forced to steal food in order to survive. Living in squalid conditions at the local orphanage, Nathaniel and three of his friends are spared further suffering when Audra “rescues” them from their plight.

Two lost souls that cannot find their place in the word suddenly find a place in each other’s hearts. Follow the lives of Audra and Nate as they grow from loyal childhood companions to inseparable young lovers, struggling through the perils of their own lives and facing difficult decisions that threaten to keep them apart.

Excerpt...

At midnight, Audra finally felt the house settled enough that she arose from the bed, put on her clothes (God forbid if she was caught in her nightgown), and silently walked down the hallway to the stairs. Her knees were a little shaky but she couldn’t tell if that was from fear or from weakness. Not willing to take chances, she sat down on the top step and moved down the stairs one at a time on her butt, scooting slowly down to the bottom. So far, so good. All those years of sneaking food and clothing for the boys were paying off! The back staircase emptied out into the breezeway. If she went straight, she’d end up in the stables; if she turned around, she would go back into the kitchens. Glancing around to make sure she was alone, she began her trek across the breezeway and into the stables. The door seemed heavier than usual, and she struggled to keep silent. Once through the door, she stood on the other side of it to catch her breath. Her legs were very shaky now but she was too close to stop. Ahead of her were the narrow stairs up to the loft area and Nate’s room. This time, she crawled on her hands and knees up the stairs, hiking her skirts up so they wouldn’t be caught. This would the worst place to be seen with her bare legs showing and her skirt hitched up around her waist! She grinned at the picture she must make from the bottom of the stairs—at least her undergarments were clean! Audra finally made it to the top and had to stop for a minute to catch her breath. Then she stood up and went to Nate’s room. Like before, Calvin had moved out to keep from disturbing Nate with his horrible snoring. Audra confirmed this with a glance to the empty bed and swiftly moved to Nate’s side. The chair was on the opposite side of the bed this time as his back was facing the door. Audra went around the bed and kneeled next to his head. He lay there with both arms on his pillow, keeping them from touching the wounds on his side. Even in his sleep, his brow was furrowed in pain, his eyes tightly shut, his breathing ragged and shallow. His mouth was slightly open and he was making those little mewling noises she remembered from last time, as if he labored through his breathing and the movement hurt him. She reached out and brushed his hair away from his forehead and checked his temperature by putting the back of her hand to his temple. He seemed okay. She stared at his face in the dark trying to make out each of his handsome features in the inky blackness. A little light came from the window over his bed, but the moon was in quarter and not much help. She was afraid to light a candle and draw attention to the room. Audra put her hands in-between and over his, content to just kneel there and hold his hands. His breathing changed slightly, seeming to calm a bit for the next few minutes. As she lifted her hand to stroke his hair again, Nate opened his eyes. “I knew you were here,” he whispered, pain coming through his voice, “I could feel you.” “Oh, God, Nate.” She moved her face closer to his so they wouldn’t be heard. “I am so sorry. I am so, so sorry.” With great effort, he lifted his right arm and stroked her face with his hand. “Not your fault. He’s a bastard from the start and at least Termins was there to stop him this time. He really wanted to kill me. I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He wanted me dead.” “Shhhh. Don’t think of him anymore. He isn’t worth the energy it takes to think about him. Shhhh.” “I am so glad you are here. That means you are better.” “I am fine. A little weak still, but fine. Now we need to concentrate on you becoming better. I couldn’t stay away from you any longer. I can only think of you and that night, and your kisses…” her voice trailed off as she choked on her emotions. Nate swallowed hard and closed his eyes, the effort of speaking overcoming him but not as much as the thought of that night when they shared their first kiss. Was that only five or six nights ago? Seemed like years to his tortured mind and body. But he wanted to relive the moment, to recapture the feeling of that night, to remember the stunning fire that had burned inside, to forget the dreadful fire that now burned outside. He opened his eyes and stared at the hidden face of his love, obscured by the darkness, backlit by the sliver of moon coming through the window. “Kiss me again,” he whispered hoarsely, “Kiss me now, Audra.” She followed the line of his cheek and chin with her hand, feeling for his lips with her fingers. Then she moved her head so she could replace her fingers with her lips. His body cried out in pain as he rolled slightly to meet her kiss and hold onto her arm with his free hand. Just like before, when their lips met, the world around them exploded with passion. Audra felt the kiss all the way to her toes, her mind focusing sharply on the intimacy of the touch. Nate moaned in pain and in pleasure, his body screaming at the pulling movement caused on his newly forming scars. But his heart and soul screamed at the joy her kiss brought him. He moved his hand to the back of her head, pulling her even closer to him, searching the depths of her mouth with his tongue. She responded fully with a search of her own. There was nothing tentative about her exploration. It was as if she knew exactly what to do, what she was meant to do, what they were meant to do together. There were no secrets between them, no hesitation. They were a perfect match. Audra broke the kiss, knowing the danger in which they were putting themselves. “I love you,” she whispered, lip to lip, “I am yours forever.”

 She...

She is Audra Markham. A rich, fat girl belonging to the nobility. Teased by her siblings and cousins, looked down by her parents, she looses herself to a secluded area in her garden to books. No one knows that she has something which is very rare in a small girl. A beautiful heart. A heart that motivates her to become friends with some street urchin boys.
.
He .....
He is Nathaniel Abott aka Nate. A young boy forced to live in an orphanage because he lost his family to the epidemic. He is more learned than any of his peers and also more cultured. But due to hunger he is forced to steal food. One day such an incident forces him to seek shelter in the garden of Audra.


The Love Story....

The chance meeting in the garden of Audra, brings her in contact with the Nate and his friends. They nickname her Angel. For she is truly like an Angel to them. Bringing them stolen food to satisfy their hunger and books to satisfy their young minds.

To escape the savagery of the orphanage, Audra makes her family hire them in her estate. Soon the young ones grow to by strong youngsters and love joins Audra and Nate in a beautiful relationship. Of course in those days it was unacceptable and they had to keep their love a secret- specially from Audra's family.

Audra in the meantime decides to lose weight [ this is truly motivational now folks!!!] And she does. She becomes the beautiful Madame Butterfly and attracts the attention of an old Duke. When he offers for her hand in marriage, Audra's father readily agrees to it since it would improve their social status to have their daughter as a Duchess. Then the story takes another turn which I had not expected!!!

Instead of taking it quietly both Nate and Audra decide on fighting against it. They plan a strategy. Will they succeed or will Nate end in the gallows? What happens to all their friends? Is  there a happily ever after?

What I liked.....

I really loved the narration style and the picturesque way the story is presented. Taking the readers to the old Victorian era is not small treat. The cobbled streets, the cobbler, the smithy or even the highwayman, all contributed in creating the aura of that era.

I loved the description of the cost of the tickets to America from England - $15. Wow! And to buy a stud farm in America.. guess the price? No wonder we say 'Old is Gold."

There are many characters in this story. Each character was well etched. The change in the atmosphere of the story from England to America was subtle, yet present. A job well done Ms. Cerny.

Coming to the characters. I loved Audra. Gentle yet fiery. A spunk of a girl who had great determination and she knew what she wanted. Though the story had some gruesome tortures by the bourgeoisie class on the commoner but they did not overtake the main theme of the story. Again very subtlely done Ms. Cerny.

What I didn't like....
Nate came out weaker than Audra. [Glares from the feminists around me]. I am not saying the I did not like Nate but after reading the story you have to agree with me that Audra is more adventurous, more spunky and definitely more loyal. [ Selena, remember Nate?]

Reading about complacent females slowly wooing the hearts of the macho men has clouded my decision may be. I am sure some of you readers would feel that Nate is a  "He is lovable every minute. He is cute, totally in love with Audra and a damn good friend". I do too... but Audra's spunk is what makes me want to be her. To all the feminists my apologies... but heck once in a while when come across a character like Audra, you need to root for her.:)
 Rating....

Reasoning....

Nate is one of the major causes why I do not think of giving it a 5 star. In the equal battle of the sexes, Audra came as a fighter. Coming from the gentry class one would expect her to be more docile and Nate being brought up on the street should have had at times at least been more vibrant than Audra. Even in the fighting scenes, it is Audra who always comes out stronger.

About the Author...

Barbara T. Cerny grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado. She served twenty-two years in the US Army Reserves, retiring a Lieutenant Colonel in 2007. She is an information technology specialist and supervisor. Barb writes historical romances good for late teen and adults. She puts a lot of history and adventure into her work. Words are her passion, they do matter

Meet the author at her Website or you can email her @ cernyb_c@sbcglobal.net









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Ishtah:The Prostitute’s Daughter By Ella Hansing

Name of the book: Ishtah :The Prostitute’s Daughter 

Name of the author: Ella Hansing

Format: ebook

Published by : www.lulu.com


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author  in exchange for my honest review.

About this book: The ceremony of the god Ashur is in just a few days. Outside the city begins to celebrate, but the doors and windows of my mother’s house remain tightly shut. Our food has begun to grow scarce, yet she has made no motion to work. She has not called me to bring her her perfume, to braid her long, tangled hair, or paint her lips red. I close my eyes tight as I try and find what might save us, but the silence yields my young mind nothing. There would be no point in praying to the gods. I couldn't imagine them listening to either of us, and doubted they ever had. [Courtesy: Goodreads]

The Story...

I did a double take when I read this story. If, after reading this title you all are expecting something sexy, lurid or dirty then please don’t read further but if you are an emotional, sensitive and creative reader then do go on. Captivating from the first sentence, this short story [too short and left me wanting for more] showed me a place called Assyria in 603 B.C. This is the story of Ishtah, the daughter of one of the most famous prostitutes of Assyria. But unlike her mother she hated that lifestyle . More of a carer of the family she could not understand why her mother gave birth to her when she was so incapable of tending to the needs of her daughter. 

It was Ishtah who would do all the household work and hide/sleep on the rooftop when her mother was visited by her client. Fighting hunger and social ridicule both from the other prostitutes as well as the decent people of Assyria, Ishtah would fantasize about going somewhere where people would not recognize her. But the end of the day she would always succumb to her mother’s need. Plaiting her mom’s hair, fetching water for her and cleaning the house was everyday chores for her while her mom would either sleep or put paint on her face waiting for the clients. 

Most of the time hunger gnawed at her stomach and there were days they had a feast left by some of the patrons of her mother but in all these dark moments of her little life she had motherly love from Hesthba, who not only showered her with love but also during the tough times, caused by the drought, gave her tiny morsels of food. She was the one who would take Ishtah to the central temple of Arrapha and see to her overall wellbeing, in spite of having her own daughter of Ishtah’s age.

Along with Hesthba the only other ray of hope was her son Aeros, son of Hesthba, who loved her. Would Ishtah be able to love him back or would her mother’s bad reputation take her to the same path of heartbreak and shame? 

What I liked...

The first thing I liked about this story is the picturesque words used to describe the place, Assyria.

‘The pool seemed misplaced, lying there in the sun-baked earth like a large, unblinking eye, staring up undaunted at the sky’.

The ending of the story left me stunned. Of all the scenes imaginable, I had not expected that. [That’s all for spoilers you guys will get from me!!!] 

What I didn’t like...

The need to know more about what happened. I really wish I could see where Ishtah went after that. The author, Ella Hansing, has created such an atmosphere that upon completion, I almost felt cheated. How dare it end so soon? This short story has all the ingredients of turning into a full fledged novel. [Ella, did you get the hint? :)]

Rating...[

This has been rated as a short story]

Reasoning:

First and foremost, the disappointment of it being a short novel. I needed to know what happens next as a reader. 

Ella Hansing has played with words beautifully in this short story. But I would have had the characters ‘showing’ the readers more with their dialogues rather than the author’s descriptive words. [Though the words are penned  beautifully, but it lessened the scope of dialogues.]

Would I recommend this book to my readers:

Definitely. This book is for those rainy afternoons when you sit by the window with a cup of tea. Emotional, poetic and touching.

Author Ella Hansing's thoughts....

What inspired you to write your first book?

- I am very visual, so when I see something (often art, or even a passing person) that speaks to me, I want to create the backdrop or a story behind it - I want to expand on it. My writing always stems from initially a very small interest.

How did you come up with the title?

- Titles are dreadful to come up with. I've begun simply calling things what they are to avoid any headache. Luckily, my protagonist's name is very pretty I think, so it worked out well as a title this time. 

What books have most influenced your life most?

- My favorite book of all time is a children's book: The Princess and the Goblins by George MacDonald.

I have a very old copy with many delightful illustrations. His piece, though written for children, really captures the awe and wonder associated with the age group he writes for. I loved it.

What are your current projects?

- I am currently promoting my novella, Ishtah. Later on I hope to begin work on a full length novel for young adults.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

- I have loved telling stories since before I could write. When I was a child I would illustrate my stories and staple the pages together. Later on my love of storytelling taught me how to type (which I initially struggled with). Home computers and Word programs were still newly introduced when I was in elementary school. After I discovered Word on my parent's computer, my storytelling really took off.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

- Writing down some of the middle parts. You need to write down a series of events to get to where you really want to take the reader. It's necessary to include certain details, but sometimes I get impatient to write the really fun, or interesting scenes.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

- Write because you like to do it. Writing can be a very solitary hobby, so make sure and give yourself plenty of pats on the back along the way, especially every time you complete something great. 

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Raised by Hand, Lifted by the Tides : a Southern Child's Memoir By Willett Thomas

Well Ms. Thomas, you sure did a good job of putting me through a myriad of emotions with this read. I experienced sadness, frustration, happiness, anger and above all an addiction of not wanting to put this book down. Now that it is over, I’m wondering whether this roller coaster ride was worth it. Yes it was.

This story takes me on a journey of a racial infected America in the 1930’s. I saw the town of Arcadia, Florida from 1937-1954 through Lil Bit’s eye. This story cannot have a straight synopsis for it is not one tale to tell. There is the story of Lil Bit who is abandoned by her mom under the care of a woman whom she lovingly calls Bubbah. There is the tale of Bubbah, a strong woman who looks after Lil Bit along with her alcoholic son, Bobby Dalton. Then there is the story of Tommy, Bubbah’s brother, whom she loves very much and who is present in each chapter of the story in the form of a letter. Very innovative. But it doesn't end here. These stories would have been all short stories had they not been intrinsically woven by a tale of murder of  Rags Jeffries.

The discrimination between the Blacks and the White’s in 1930’s forms the backdrop of the story. Many things were taken for granted – them not sitting together at a restaurant or a colored girl could not take part in a beauty contest meant for the white folks. But on the other hand   a change was coming in the form of Willie Franklin trying to report their stories and becoming a lead reporter at the Crusader or Lil Bit taking part in 'Little Miss Citrus Blossom' the first for the colored girls of Arcadia. All these issues shown through the eyes of a child is definitely worth the read.

Rating:

I would give Raised by Hand, Lifted by the Tides: a Southern Child's Memoir by Willet Thomas  3 out of 5 star.

Reasoning:

In the beginning it took me a bit of time to get into this story. But once I got into the character of Lil Bit, there was no looking back. As with many a stories, the prologue of a story can be more of a trial for a reader than an eye catcher. But once I waded through the prologue and reached the first chapter, I was caught off guard to find it quite a page turner.

Another part which left me wanting for more was Tommy, the letter writer. Here I must mention that those letters made a good story by itself. But what happens to Tommy and why did he end up…..? ( shhh… no spoilers you will get from me!!!) are some of the questions that will remain in a reader’s mind.

And a small discrepancy... Who is Redden Sanders sharing your space as an author?

My Personal Note to Willet Thomas: 

You keep on writing Willet Thomas, for you have some fine tales to tell. I would love to have this book on my bookshelf.

About the Author:

Willett Thomas is the President of Write of Passage, Inc. She earned her MA in writing from Johns Hopkins. She has received artist fellowships from Blue Mountain Center and the Millay Colony. She was selected as a Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation fellow for the District of Columbia. She is the recipient of the 2008 Maureen Egen Writers Exchange award for fiction.

Meet the author at A Tete a Tete